The Deck: Blanca Acevedo (7 of Clubs, Arizona) – Episode Summary

Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction to the Case

In this gripping episode of The Deck, host Ashley Flowers delves into the haunting 2010 murder of Blanca Acevedo, a 50-year-old real estate agent from Phoenix, Arizona. Blanca's case is emblematic of how a seemingly ordinary life can unravel into a brutal mystery, leaving communities and families desperate for answers years later.

Discovery of Blanca Acevedo

On the afternoon of June 27, 2010, a distressing sequence of events unfolded at the New Way Realty office in Phoenix. Robert Williams, a concerned individual, noticed smoke emanating from a nearby building and swiftly drove toward the source, fearing for his sister's workplace.

• [04:21] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "Inside of the building, they could see what looked like a person laying on the floor, unresponsive."

Upon the arrival of firefighters, they discovered Blanca, fully clothed except for her shoes, deceased amidst the flames and chaos.

• [05:04] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "We could not have self-inflicted injuries. Blanca was brutally attacked."

Initial Investigation

The initial investigation raised alarms due to the nature of Blanca’s death. Contrary to initial beliefs of accidental death by fire, autopsy results revealed a far more sinister reality.

• [25:44] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "Blanca sustained approximately 25 separate blunt force trauma wounds to her head."

This revelation transformed the case from a tragic accident to a potential homicide, prompting deeper investigative efforts.

Key Suspects and Interviews

1. Jack – Blanca’s Employer

Jack, the owner of New Way Realty, emerges as a central figure in the investigation. His interactions and the timeline he provided raised suspicions.

• [11:29] Jose Acevedo:
  "When he was spoken to, did he have an alibi from the time that he last saw Blanca to the time that he arrived back at the scene?"

• [24:01] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "No, no they didn't. They interviewed family and coworkers, but they didn't follow up and do another interview with Felipe."

Additionally, a troubling exchange between Jack and Paula Campos, a long-time church friend of Blanca, hinted at possible foul play.

• [40:22] Detective Mark Nunley:
  "She noticed scratch marks on Jack’s arm. He claimed they were from a cat, but Paula recalled them as fresh, nail-like scratches."

Despite these red flags, Jack was never definitively implicated before his death in 2016.

2. Felipe – Blanca’s Boyfriend

Felipe, Blanca's boyfriend, provided insights into their four-year relationship but had inconsistencies in his alibi.

• [37:04] Brit Prawat: (Advertisement Segment)
  (Skipped as per content guidelines.)

• [40:25] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "In 2009, she made a police report about threatening phone calls from Michelle. The information wasn’t sufficient to follow up."

Later investigations revealed that Felipe’s ex-wife, Michelle, had previously threatened Blanca, adding another layer of complexity.

• [41:02] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "No, no, they didn't. At least nothing that's been documented. But no."

3. Michelle – Felipe’s Ex-Wife

Michelle became a person of interest due to her threats against Blanca and a failed polygraph test.

• [40:55] Jose Acevedo:
  "When investigators find that report from 2009, like, do they go and speak to this woman?"

• [44:01] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "She failed the polygraph when questioned about her involvement in the crime."

Despite these developments, Michelle has not been arrested or charged, leaving the investigation open and unresolved.

Unidentified Individuals and Witnesses

Several mysterious elements and unidentified individuals surfaced during the investigation:

• Dina: A woman who informed Elia Solis about Blanca being inside the burning building but later became elusive and uncooperative with the media.

• Unfamiliar Man: Described by Dina and a New Way agent as a tattooed man recently released from prison, seen around the office premises, but never identified or located.

• Brenda and Casey: Fellow realtors who recounted strange conversations suggesting possible coercion or conspiracy involving Jack to set the fire.

These accounts introduced numerous unanswered questions, particularly regarding motives and potential accomplices.

New Evidence and Breakthroughs

A significant development occurred four days post-murder when Blanca's son, Alejandro, discovered a two-page letter on her bedside table. The letter passionately criticized Jack, suggesting a deep-seated personal conflict.

• [27:16] Voice Actor (Reading the Letter):
  (Excerpt)
  "How can you do that to me, Jack? To someone who really cares about you, your business, etc."

Despite its emotional intensity, the letter was never thoroughly analyzed or verified through handwriting analysis, leaving its authenticity and implications in question.

Moreover, advancements in technology and renewed interest in cold cases led to the 2016 reassignment of Blanca's case, reigniting hope for closure.

• [37:04] Brit Prawat: (Advertisement Segment)
  (Skipped as per content guidelines.)

Ongoing Investigation and Conclusion

As the years passed, detective teams continued to piece together Blanca's final hours. Critical gaps remained, particularly regarding Jack's last interactions and Felipe's alibi. Detective Kenneth Porter emphasized the need for community assistance:

• [48:37] Ashley Flowers:
  "Detective Nunley told us that anyone who has first, second, or even third-hand information or tips should reach out if you're scared of retaliation."

Blanca's family continues to seek justice, grappling with the unresolved brutality of her murder. The lack of concrete evidence and unresolved leads keep the case cold, but renewed investigative efforts and community engagement offer a glimmer of hope.

Call to Action

For those with information on Blanca Acevedo's murder or anyone who may have overlooked details years ago, now is the time to come forward. Detective Kenneth Porter urges:

• [48:37] Detective Kenneth Porter:
  "If you have information, come forward and help us bring justice to her and her family."

Tips can be submitted anonymously via 480WITNESS, ensuring safety and privacy for all contributors.

Conclusion

Blanca Acevedo's tragic death remains a poignant reminder of the lingering pain of unsolved crimes. The Deck emphasizes the critical role of community involvement in bringing closure to families and achieving justice. As investigations continue, Blanca's story serves as a compelling call to action for all listeners to remain vigilant and supportive in the pursuit of truth.

For more information on The Deck and to support ongoing investigations, visit thedeckpodcast.com.